Source: FOOTYMAD
Rogne would welcome countryman Huseklepp
Thomas Rogne can see the benefit of bringing Erik Huseklepp to the club Thomas Rogne would like to see another Norwegian arrive at the club in the form of Erik Huseklepp. The club are reportedly close to agreeing a deal worth £1.3million with SK Brann Bergen for the services of the international striker. Huseklepp, who scored in Norway's 4-0 home win over Scotland in a World Cup qualifier in August 2009, is said to be interesting clubs in Spain, France, Germany and England but Rogne would like to see him join him in Glasgow. The defender said: "I wouldn't mind that at all. He's a great player. He is very technical and quick and he is tall, strong and powerful. He has done really well for his club in the Norwegian league and for the national team. He has been linked with a lot of good clubs and he is a quality player. I don't think Celtic needs to be sold to anyone, it's a massive club and everyone knows that. Celtic have great supporters, they play nice football and there is always pressure to win every game - but it's a good experience to have." Rogne, the former Stabaek defender who joined the Parkhead club a year ago, insists Huseklepp, like many Scandinavian footballers, would have few problems adapting to the Brittish style of football . He said: "I am not 100% sure why Scandinavians adapt well but we think it's because the game is similar, it is physical in Scandinavia and we always look to the UK when we watch football. The Spanish league and leagues like that are not so popular in Scandinavia but the English and Scottish leagues are popular." Rogne, who has only recently became a first team regular after struggling with injury, accepts he will have to stay focussed on his game to keep a place in the Celtic defence if Neil Lennon looks to bolster his defensive options during the transfer window. The Norway Under-21 player said: "Personally I don't keep an eye on it because I know they probably are going to sign a defender because it's a big club and there is always going to be competition. Players come in and players leave and that's the way it is. You should never be secure because then you get lazy and don't work as hard. You know that if you have a bad game you might be out of the team again so you always have to stay sharp and focused." The personal significance of Celtic's 2-0 win over Rangers at the weekend was acknowledged by the young Parkhead stopper. In his Old Firm debut at Ibrox in February he had to go off in the first half of the 1-0 defeat with a hamstring injury which blighted his first season at the club. However, while the big defender admits the Hoops players will take confidence from going four points clear of Rangers at the top of the SPL, he does not believe the pendulum has necessarily swung Celtic's way. Rogne said: "I wouldn't call it a personal revenge for me but the last time I was off after 30 minutes so of course it was nice to stay on the pitch for the whole 90 this time. It was an important result for us, we needed it and of course it brings some confidence and happiness in to the team. We have won the last three games and every one has been important and we look forward to getting a good run of victories. But it is still an open race. I don't think the players look too much at the table. If Rangers win their two games in hand they are going to be in front of us."
